Dora the self-care explorer

Dora Kamau is a mental health visionary who founded a women’s self-care community called Bliss Your Heart, all while finishing her Psychiatric Nursing degree at Douglas.

Drawing a map for queer and transgender kids

Photo of Tanysha Klassen, Psychology student, by David Denofreo

Tanysha Klassen wants to help others navigate the challenges of gender identity.

Empathy and passion: the making of a psychiatric nurse

Sanjin stands in front of his motorcycle

After a chance meeting with a psychiatric nurse, Sanjin Ramovic knew getting his Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing was his calling.

Go a mile for mental health Oct. 15

Miles for Mental Health image of trees and showing the Douglas College logo

Annual Miles for Mental Health fundraiser aims to end stigma around mental illness

Pushing limits through play

Matt Berezan wants to use play as more than just an activity. He wants to improve the well-being of people with disabilities.

Whenever In Doubt, Hike!

foggy mountain peak

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about travelling? For me it’s my Quecha backpack and my soul! Exactly a year ago I was altogether in a different world: I was ready for my Duke’s Nose trek in one of Maharashtra’s (Indian state) finest hiking destinations. Imagine ….rain pouring, lavish greenery in the valley, and snow-white waterfalls in the background. Well this is a typical monsoon day in India, and I just can’t get enough of it. I recently did the Joffre Lake Hike and this was… Read More

Taking the First Steps: My Struggle With Mental Illness

buzz lightyear and woody from toy story, buzz is pointing to the sky and the text reads anxiety anxiety everywhere

Mental illness is a hidden barrier for a lot of people. I am no expert on mental illness and I am not here to spout a whole bunch of facts about it. I am here to take the first steps in making mental illness less hidden among students. I have struggled from depression and anxiety for most of my life. It became debilitating when I entered high school. I very quickly left school and took my courses online. Most of my anxiety is socially driven, but at times it creeps up for… Read More

Social Media and Mental Health

This week on Life at DC, students from the Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching (BPEC) program are sharing their ideas about health in a series of posts and a takeover on the @StudentLifeDC Instagram account! On Monday, Jackie wrote about the Fitspiration trends on social media. Today, she shares her thoughts about social media and mental health.  ——————- Social media connects us to others and allows us to easily access information and share ideas in real time. Social media has simplified the maintenance of relationships by providing a relatively easy way to stay in the… Read More

Child and Youth Care student gives back

Meredith Graham has faced many difficulties in life. She left home when she was a teenager, couch surfed, and graduated high school while living in a group home. She also has bipolar disorder. But none of that has stopped her from pursuing her career and educational goals. Meredith works as a youth and family development worker for a Burnaby non-profit and is studying in the Child and Youth Care program at Douglas College. “Some days are brighter than others and it is an ongoing learning process for me to appreciate that my… Read More